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It’s good to see that not everyone in stock car racing is brain dead. Even though Robby Gordon is not one of my favorite drivers, it’s good to see something good finally happen to him.
The National Stock Car Racing Commission on Wednesday heard and considered the appeal of Robby Gordon Motorsports regarding the No. 7 car. The appeal concerned three penalties issued by NASCAR following opening day inspection on Feb. 8 for the Sprint Cup Series event at Daytona.
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The Appellants argued that the bumper cover was installed as delivered from the manufacturer, that it did not provide a competition advantage since it was discovered prior to being allowed on the racetrack, and that the bumper met the templates. The Appellants also argued against the severity of the penalties.
In deliberating, the Commission considered several factors. The bumper cover constituted an obvious rules infraction and the Appellants did not contest the legality of the part.
The Commission notes and reaffirms the following fundamental principal which is vital to maintaining the integrity of the sport: Regardless of the source of an unapproved part on a racecar, the race team that officially enters the car in a NASCAR race is ultimately accountable for that racecar’s conformance, or non-conformance, to the rules.
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However, the Commission believes that the facts presented during the hearing represented an extraordinary and unusual set of circumstances. While this does not excuse the infraction, the National Stock Car Racing Commission has decided to reinstate the car owner and driver championship points, lift the suspension, and increase the fine.
I think this was an outstanding decision. By restoring the car owner and driver points, they acknowledge that the whole front end issue was out of their control, but while increasing the fine for the crew chief they point out that he should be aware of everything that happens to that car. This was an excellent decision if you ask me.
I bet it feels good to be Robby Gordon right now, like for the first time in a long time he wasn’t pushed off the trampoline. Woot!
[Crossposted at RoCaBaP]
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